CHAN 2024: Nigeria Too Strong For Us – Congo Coach

CHAN 2024: Nigeria Too Strong For Us – Congo Coach

Sampson Adedej

Congo head coach Barthelemy Ngatsono admitted that his side’s dream of advancing at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) was ended by a determined and wounded Nigerian team, who showed their strength in the final group game, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Congo, who needed a win to stay in contention, were left heartbroken after falling 2-0 to Nigeria at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania on Tuesday. The defeat left them at the bottom of the group and out of the tournament.

Goals from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi secured the win for the Super Eagles B, restoring some pride after consecutive losses to Senegal and Sudan had already confirmed their early exit.

“As I said before the match, it wasn’t going to be easy because Nigeria is never an easy opponent,” Ngatsono stated.

 “They controlled the ball better, and though we made changes in the second half, we lacked focus, which cost us the game.

“Nigeria were more prepared and physically sharper than us, and that gave them the upper hand. Despite our pre-match plans, we didn’t execute as expected.”

The coach also reflected on the bigger lessons from the campaign: "The major problem was our poor preparation before the start of the tournament.

 "However, our young players didn’t disappoint. Many of them came in with little readiness, and that showed. Going forward, this experience will push us to prepare better.”